“Don’t let him fool you. Under all that grumbling, he’s just a big ole teddy bear.” Noelle reaches up to pinch my cheek.
“Am not,” I grunt, nipping at her fingers.
Just because Noelle makes me smile and has me fussing over her doesn’t mean I’m going soft.
“Oh please, you’re—” Maple interrupts Birdie with a low moo as she wanders around the room and settles in front of the fireplace like she owns the damn place. “Maple sounds so grown up. How’s she doing?”
“Just dandy. Apparently, she’s an indoor cow today,” I mutter.
“I promised her a movie marathon,” Noelle reminds me, batting her lashes.
She flips the screen so Birdie can see Maple, sprawled out, resting her chin on her hooves, eyes half closed.
“Maple is so precious,” Birdie coos. “And ignore Shep’s complaints. He’s totally smitten with her, too.”
“Oh, I know. Just yesterday, I caught him in her stall, scratching behind her ear and calling her his favorite girl,” Noelle says, smirking at me.
This is just perfect. I knew if these two ever talked, they’d conspire against me.
“Alright, I think that’s enough for introductions for one day,” I grumble, taking the phone from Noelle.
“Fine, but I’m coming to visit soon, and you won’t be able to stop me from sharing all your embarrassing stories,” Birdie taunts.
“Can’t wait,” Noelle says, leaning in to wave goodbye.
I hang up, close the front door, and when I turn around—Noelle is standing right behind me.
She fiddles with the bracelet on her wrist, giving me a cautious look. “Are you upset I brought Maple inside?”
I shake my head. “Not at all. Enjoy your movie marathon. I’ll just have to wait to have you to myself until tonight.”
Noelle steps closer, draping her arms around my neck. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to—” She stops short when she glances up, spotting the mistletoe above the doorframe. “How did that get there?”
I shrug, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning. “No clue.”
Truth is, I hung it up after she left for her walk. We’d spent the days leading up to Christmas celebrating both our families’ traditions, but I want to start a few of our own. A kiss under the mistletoe felt like the perfect place to begin.
Casey gave me grief for asking him to bring some when they stopped by yesterday. He’s always bragged that Amy decorates every doorway with it, so I knew they’d have plenty to spare. I expect endless jokes at my expense, but this moment with Noelle is worth it.
She gives me a knowing look. “Must have been a belated gift from Santa.”
“Must have.” I capture her around the waist, pulling her against my chest. “It would be rude not to make the most of it.”
She rises on her toes, pressing a hand on my chest. “We can’t have that.”
I trail kisses along her jawline, her breath hitching as she tips her head toward me. Our lips meet, urgent and demanding. I’m surrounded by the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar cookies, unable to think of anything but her warm mouth on mine. I lift her into my arms, and she instinctively locks her legs around my waist, her hands moving to grip my shoulders. I take two steps forward so her back is pressed against the wall.
“Thank you for staying,” I murmur.
“Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Noelle nips my bottom lip, moaning as she delves her tongue inside my mouth. She tastes like sunshine and hot cocoa, and I look forward to showing her exactly what it means to belong to me.
A soft mooing sound makes me draw back, and I see Maple has wandered from the fireplace to stand beside us. She nudges my pant leg, and Noelle bursts into giggles.
I tilt my head, lifting a brow. “Still think bringing a cow into the house was a good idea?”
Noelle pats me on the chest. “Cheer up, cowboy. You said it yourself: Tonight, I’m all yours.”
